ROUND 1 of the new Coates Talent League (CTL) season yielded plenty of opportunity for club-tied talent to impress. From father-son hopefuls to Next Generation Academy (NGA) members, fans of several AFL clubs had reason to tune into the country’s most prolific supplier of draftees.

>> Scouting Notes: 2025 Coates Talent League – Round 1

Geelong supporters and recruiters alike with have their eyes fixed on the Falcons this year. National Academy member Ben Rongdit made his long-awaited second CTL appearance in Round 1, showcasing his defensive application with 10 disposals, four marks and four tackles against Dandenong.

Fellow NGA prospect Jesse Mellor hit the scoreboard with a goal from nine touches and four tackles, while Cats father-sons Boston Riccardi (son of Peter) and Jagger Mooney (Cameron) also got their top-age campaigns underway, along with Essendon father-son Noah Caracella – an over-ager.

The victorious Stingrays also had their share of club-tied talent afield. The pick of the bunch was Melbourne NGA prospect Toby Sinnema, who spent time training with the Dees in preseason. He utilised his damaging left-foot on both sides of midfield en rout to 22 disposals, six marks and five inside 50s.

Collingwood father-son candidate Oscar Lonie (son of Ryan) showed improvement from his three appearances in 2024, posting 16 touches and five tackles. Over-ager Adrian Cole, who switched from Sandringham after being overlooked by St Kilda last year, also turned out for his Dandenong debut.

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The Magpies and Saints had more players to watch in the Sandringham-Western clash. Thomas McGuane – the son of Pies champion Mick – had little trouble racking up possessions. He filled his boots with 28 disposals, five marks, and five clearances in a typically classy display from midfield.

St Kilda NGA product Kye Fincher, whose grandfather played at Footscray and North Melbourne, was also prominent for the Dragons. He notched up 24 disposals and five rebound 50s roaming across half-back. His ability to break the lines with aggressive run and ball use was a highlight.

Western had also flagged Kobe Williams as one to watch coming into the season. The son of Mark is father-son eligible to Hawthorn while also being tied to the Western Bulldogs’ NGA program. The on-baller had some promising early moments to finish with 21 touches, five marks and four clearances.

In the second game of Sunday’s double-header at RSEA Park, a pair of Essendon NGA prospects starred as Calder beat Oakleigh. Adam Sweid proved to be a find for the Cannons, impressing with 25 disposals, five clearances and two goals after having his bottom-age campaign scuppered by an ACL tear.

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Hussien El Achkar went about his usual business to boot four goals from 15 touches. The Cannons also fielded Bombers NGA Tristan Leeds and father-son Alex Alessio, along with bottom-age father-sons Levi West (Western Bulldogs) and Sam Harris (North Melbourne), both of whom made their debuts.

There was even more intrigue in the match for Essendon fans as Alijah Davey – the youngest son of Alwyn – made his debut having made his way down from Darwin. Mingara Clark was also on the losing side and booted a goal, though fellow Carlton NGA member Jack Ison missed through injury.

Blues fans looking for a positive would have been buoyed by the performance of Tyson Gresham. The Northern Knights co-captain is usually the smallest player out there but has plenty of heart and skill, both of which were on show with his 19 disposals and five tackles in a three-point loss to Eastern.

Rising father-son prospect Harry Dean was also terrific in Murray’s loss to Gippsland. The brave tall defender clunked seven marks among his 16 disposals and six rebound 50s. On the opposite side, Crows-tied talent Mitch Stevens (20 disposals, six tackles) featured alongside Goy Jiath, the brother of Hawthorn’s Changkuoth and Collingwood’s Tew. He’s part of the Hawks’ NGA.

Perhaps the best Carlton-aligned prospect is saved for next year, with bottom-ager Cody Walker (son of Andrew) beginning his bottom-age campaign with a bang. The midfielder, also tied to Richmond’s NGA, notched up 24 disposals, four clearances and a goal in Bendigo’s win over Tasmania.

The Devils also had a couple of Academy members take the field. 2026 prospect Archie Devine showcased his class in the tough conditions with 20 disposals and six marks from the backline. Jess Bula also applied himself with seven touches and four tackles in the loss.